Apparatus installing device for mobile body

ABSTRACT

A device installation apparatus for a mobile body is disposed in a position sandwiched between a driver&#39;s seat  107   a  and a assistant driver&#39;s seat  197   b  in an automobile vehicle  100 , and is constituted by a center console box  109 , as an installing means, movable along a rail portion  110 , in which a desired device such as a CD player  201 , a cassette tape player  202 , a DVD player  203  or the like can be installed. Having been constituted as above, it allows passengers seated other than in front seats an easy access to the desired device  200 , remarkably improving the convenience of the apparatus.

This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/JP00/02757 which has an Internationalfiling date of Apr. 27, 2000, which designated the United States ofAmerica.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a device installation apparatus for a mobilebody, which is mounted in a position sandwiched between a driver's seatand a assistant driver's seat for installing therein the devices such asaudio devices, image reproducing devices or the like to be equipped inan automobile vehicle and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing an inside of a conventionalautomotive vehicle.

As shown in this FIG. 33, in the conventional automotive vehicle,reference numeral 330 denotes an instrument panel provided in a frontportion inside of the automotive vehicle, reference numeral 331 denotesan audio system such as a radio receiver, a cassette deck player, acompact disc (CD) player or the like provided in a central portion 330 aof the instrument panel 330, reference numeral 332 denotes a dash boardprovided in a central upper portion of the instrument panel 330,reference numeral 333 denotes a steering wheel provided on the right ofthe instrument panel 330, reference numeral 340 denotes a driver's seat,reference numeral 341 denotes a assistant driver's seat, and referencenumeral 350 denotes a central console box disposed in a positionsandwiched between the driver's seat 340 and the assistant driver's seat341.

Conventionally, it has been the dominant influence of the times toconfigure such that the audio system 331 is disposed in the centralportion 330 a of the instrument panel 330.

On the other hand, with the recent wide spreading of a navigationsystem, there have gradually been come into market automobile vehiclesof the following arrangements: an arrangement in which a main body (notshown) of the navigation system is disposed under the front seat such asthe driver's seat, the assistant driver's seat or the like and adisplaying portion for displaying thereon map information outputted fromthe navigation system is disposed near the central portion of theinstrument panel; an arrangement in which the space for disposing anaudio system is narrowed to dispose the displaying portion in an uppercentral portion of the instrument panel, i.e., to embed it inside thedash board; and an arrangement in which instruments indicating the stateof a brake system which is disposed on the driver's seat side of theinstrument panel, are disposed in the central portion of the instrumentpanel. This kind of arrangements will come to be the main current in thefuture.

In addition, arrangements considered disposition of the displayingportion, there have been known automobile vehicles of the followingarrangements: an arrangement in which the displaying portion is disposedin the central upper portion of the instrument panel, i.e., is embeddedinside the dash board; and an arrangement in which the displayingportion is embedded previously inside a part of a group of audio devicesdisposed in the central portion of the instrument panel, after thedisplaying portion is projected forward when it is in use, a displaysurface of the displaying portion moving substantially in parallel withthe surface in the central portion of the instrument panel (in-dash typedisplay apparatus).

In this background, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.297391/1998 discloses an automobile vehicle in which switches for theaudio devices, the air conditioner or the like which are conventionallydisposed in the central portion of the instrument panel are providedinside a center console disposed between the driver's seat and theassistant driver's seat. FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing aprincipal portion of the above arrangement.

In FIG. 34, reference numeral 1 denotes an instrument panel provided ina front portion inside the automobile vehicle, reference numeral 2denotes a steering wheel provided on the right side of the instrumentpanel 1, reference numeral 3 denotes a gear shift lever provided in thecentral lower portion of the instrument panel 1, reference numeral 4denotes a display provided in a central upper portion of the instrumentpanel 1, and reference numeral 5 denotes front seats, the front seats 5being disposed by arranging a assistant driver's seat 5 a and a driver'sseat 5 b in a line.

In addition, in a position sandwiched between the assistant driver'sseat 5 a and the driver's seat 5 b, a center console 6 is disposed. Asshown in FIG. 35, the center console 6 is provided with a lid 6 a and ahousing portion is formed inside the center console, which is opened andclosed by this lid 6 a.

Further, in a part of the front of the center console 6, a switch panelportion 6 b formed in a recessed shape is provided. A remote controlunit 7 can be detachably mounted in this switch disposing portion 6 b.

Having been arranged as described above, it allows a passenger seated inthe driver's seat or in the assistant driver's seat of the automotivevehicle to easily be operated the switches in a seated posture.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 185547/1992 disclosesa construction of a conventional improved model of an in-dash type ofdisplay apparatus. FIG. 36 is an overall arrangement view of thisapparatus.

In addition, FIGS. 37 and 38 are figures explaining the a state of theoperation of this display apparatus. FIG. 37 shows a state in which thedisplay is not in use and FIG. 38 shows a state in which the display ismoving to the predetermined position so as to get into the state in FIG.36 in which the display is in a position ready for use.

In FIGS. 36, 37 and 38, reference numeral 10 denotes a casing, referencenumeral 11 denotes the display which is housed inside the casing 10 whenit is not in use and taken out of the casing 10 when it is in use, andreference numeral 12 denotes a sliding member (arm) for supporting thedisplay 11. This sliding member 12 is, when the display 11 is beinghoused, housed inside the casing 10 together with the display 11.

However, the conventional audio devices and the image reproducingdevices are arranged as described above and mounted inside theautomotive vehicle. Therefore, there has been a problem that a space fordisposition is limited in the central portion of the instrument panel,and the devices to be installed in this space must therefore bedeliberately selected by the user. Particularly, the user who wishes toequip various kinds of audio deices and image reproducing devices insidethe automotive vehicle suffers from a serious inconvenience.

Further, the audio device is disposed in the central portion of theinstrument panel. Therefore, there has been a problem that thereplacement of the recording media such as cassette tapes, digital audiotapes (DAT's), compact discs (CD's), minidiscs (MD's), digital versatilediscs (DVD's), or the simultaneous setting operation of each device or aplurality of devices are only allowed for passengers seated in thedriver's seat and the assistant driver's seat. That is, passengers otherthan those seated in the front seats, i.e., the passengers seated in therear seats are not allowed to operate in a seated state, with the resultthat the passengers seated in the rear seats suffer from a seriousinconvenience.

Further, passengers are seated far from the displaying means. Therefore,there has been a problem that the disposition of the displaying meansfor displaying visual information from the image reproducing device orthe like is disposed in the central portion of the instrument panelprovides the passengers seated in the front seats a better visibility.However, it provides the passengers seated in the rear seats a poorvisibility.

Further, when the audio device or the image reproducing device isoperated, the operating means thereof is normally integrated with thedevice. Therefore, there has been a problem that the operator is obligedto extend his or her arm toward the central portion of the instrumentpanel. It follows that the passengers seated in the rear seats cannotoperate it, and even the passengers seated in the front seats must alsochange their posture from a posture leaning back in the seat to aposture forwardly bent in the seat before operating the device.Accordingly, the operation cannot easily be made.

Further, an arrangement in which an operating means is separated as aremote controller (hereinafter refers as a remocon) from the apparatusitself is also known. In this kind of arrangement, after having operatedwith the remote controller, the remote controller is often left detachedfrom the housing place. Ordinarily, the remote controller is small insize. Therefore, there has been a problem that it is apt to lose, andthus the operator gets into the trouble that he or her has to look forit before operating.

Further, the audio device, the image reproducing device or the like isdisposed in the central portion of the instrument panel and fixed tomake a connection of wires or the like inside the instrument panel, thenumber of devices which is disposable in the instrument panel spaceavailable is narrow being restricted. In disposing, a user is compelledto deliberately select the specific device. In addition, the devices arefixed to part of the instrument panel by means of screws or the like.Therefore, there has been a problem that the replacing work of thedevice now mounted by a different one is cumbersome.

Further, when devices disposed in the apparatus are activated, anybodycan access to them. Therefore, there has been a problem that whenchildren are present in the passengers, persons who are not welcome tooperate the devices can also gain an easy access to their operation.

Further, when the devices disposed in the apparatus are detachable,anybody can detach them. Therefore, there has been a problem that thedevices mounted on the apparatus are subject to the damages of stealing,tampering or the like.

Further, the operating means such as a touch panel displaced on the likefor operating the contents displayed on the displaying means is disposedtogether with the displaying means in the central portion of theinstrument panel. Therefore, there has been a problem that, when theoperating means is operated, the operator must change his or her posturefrom one leaning back to the seat to one forwardly bent in the seatbefore operating the operating means, or the operator is obliged toextend his or her arm toward the operating means, with the result thatthe operation cannot easily be done.

Furthermore, in case the space between the seats is devoted to a passagefor the passengers like in a bus or the like, among the mobile bodies.Therefore, there has been a problem that nothing can be disposed on thefloor because of a possible hindrance to the passage of the passengers.

This invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object ofthe invention is to provide a device installation apparatus for a mobilebody for improving the convenience of the passengers and theoperability, by disposing it in a position sandwiched between a driver'sseat and a assistant driver's seat, and by providing an audio device andan image reproducing device on a installing means, movable along thelongitudinal direction of the mobile body, so as to give not only thepassengers seated in the front seats but also the passengers seated inthe rear seats direct access to the devices installed inside theinstalling means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body for improving the convenience of thepassenger and operability, by moving the installing means to a positionsuitable for each of the front seats, rear seats and the intermediateseats between the front seats and the rear seats, so as to give thepassengers seated in all of the seats inside the mobile body access tothe devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body for improving the convenience of thepassengers, by moving the installing means to a position suitable forthe front seats, the rear seats, and the intermediate seats between thefront seats and the rear seats, so as to allow the passengers seated inall of the seats to replace the memory medium inserted into each of thedevices.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for mobile body for enabling easy and free replacement of thedevices to be installed inside the installing means, by providing amounting/dismounting means with the installing means for detachablyholding the devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body for finding more wider applications thereof,and for further improving the convenience of the apparatus, by providinga guide means for guiding the installing means not only on the floorportion but also on the roof portion, so as to dispose the installingmeans on the roof portion even in case the disposition of the installingmeans on the floor portion is difficult.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body for preventing from being wrongly operatedor tampered, by restricting the operator who is permitted to access tothe devices installed inside the installing means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body for preventing from being wrongly operated,tampered, or stolen the devices installed inside the installing means,by restricting the operator who is permitted to mount or dismount thedevices installed inside the installing means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body for improving the visibility of the visualinformation even in the passengers seated in the rear seat, and forfurther improving the convenience of the apparatus, by providing theinstalling means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationmeans for a mobile body and a displaying means disposed inside themobile body for enabling the operation of the contents or the likedisplayed on the displaying means in a posture learning back in a seat,i.e., in a relaxedly seated posture, by providing the displaying meansdisposed in the central portion of the instrument panel with anoperating means which projects rearward of the automotive vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body and a displaying means disposed inside themobile body for preventing the operating means from being lost, byarranging the displaying means and the operating means separable througha supporting means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body and a displaying means disposed inside themobile body for enabling recognition of the visual information,irrespective of a state of the operation the operating means disposedinside the mobile body is used, by making a display only on the displaysurface which is able to display even when the operating means isoverlapped with the displaying means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body and a displaying means disposed inside themobile body for enabling recognition of all the visual information to bedisplayed, and for further improving the convenience of the apparatus,irrespective of the size of the area of the display surface, by changingthe ratio of scale of the displayed contents depending on reductions ofthe area of the display surface due to the overlapping of the operatingmeans with the displaying means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body and a displaying means disposed inside themobile body for enabling recognition of the contents of the divideddisplay, irrespective of the size of the area of the display surface, bymaking the divided display corresponding to each case, even if the areaof the display surface of the displaying means is varied due to theoverlapping of the operating means with the displaying means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device installationapparatus for a mobile body and a displaying apparatus disposed insidethe mobile body for enabling the operator to perform a operation adoptedfor respective users, and for further improving the operability of theapparatus, by adjusting the angle of the operating means relative to thedisplaying means for choice of the user.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention comprises: a installing means which is provided in a positionsandwiched between a driver's seat and a assistant driver's seat and isable to install therein a desired device; and a guide means for movablyguiding the installing means in the longitudinal direction of the mobilebody. Thus, free movement of the apparatus to a position in which theoperation of the device installed in the apparatus can easily be done bythe user improves the operability and the convenience of the user.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the guide means comprises a plurality ofengaging portions for engaging the installing means at a plurality ofthe predetermined different positions, and that, when the installingmeans is moved based on guiding by the guide means, the installing meansis engaged with any one of the plurality of engaging portions. Thus, inany position inside the mobile body, free movement of the apparatus to aposition in which the operation of the device installed inside theapparatus can easily be done further improves the convenience of theuser.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the engaging portions are provided inthe guide means in order to correspond to positions of seats disposed inthe mobile body, it becomes possible for the passengers seated otherthan in the driver's seat and the assistant driver's seat to operate thedevice installed in the apparatus even in their respective seatedpositions. Thus, the operation of the device without taking a strainedposture further improves the operability of the passengers in the mobilebody.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that installing means comprises amounting/dismounting means for holding the installed device in adetachable manner, and such that the device is replaceable by anotherone. Thus, easy replacement of the device mounted on themounting/dismounting means improves freedom of the arrangement of theapparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the installing means comprises aplurality of mounting/dismounting means which enable a plurality ofdevices to be independently replaced by other devices. Thus, easy changein the system consisting of a plurality of devices to be mounted on theapparatus improves the freedom in the design of the system and theconvenience of the user.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that a space for housing a device is formedin the installing means, and such that the installing means has in aninternal part the mounting/dismounting means. Thus, housing of thedevice inside the installing means prevents from being projected from itand minimizes the overall size of the apparatus inclusive of thedevices.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the apparatus further comprises a userjudging means for judging whether a user of the apparatus is anappropriate user or not, and such that, only when the user judging meanshas judged the user to be the appropriate user, the user is permitted toaccess to the device installed inside the installing means. Thus, theuser is selected, in other words, the inappropriate user is prohibitedfrom being operated the apparatus and prevented from beingmalfunctioned, resulting in improvement in the reliability of theapparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the apparatus further comprises a userjudging means for judging whether a user of the apparatus is anappropriate user or not, and such that, only when the user judging meanshas judged the user to be the appropriate user, dismounting of thedevice installed inside the installing means is permitted. Thus, theselection of the user, i.e., disablement of the mounting or thedismounting of the apparatus by an inappropriate user prevents thedevice from being stolen and improves the reliability of the apparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the user judging means makes a judgementas to whether the user is an appropriate user by verifying a fingerprintof the user. Thus, accurate judgement of the user further improves thereliability of the apparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the user judging means makes a judgementas to whether the user is an appropriate user by verifying a voice ofthe user. Thus, accurate judgement of the user further improves theconvenience of the user.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that a device to be installed inside theinstalling means is at least one of an audio device for outputtingaudible information and an image reproducing device for outputtingvisual information. Thus, recognition of either the audible informationor the visual information improves the convenience of the apparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the installing means and the guide meansare disposed on a floor portion of the mobile body. Thus, the movementof the apparatus while remaining seated improves the convenience of theapparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the installing means has the displayingmeans for displaying visual information outputted by the deviceinstalled inside the installing means.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the installing means and the guide meansare disposed on a floor portion of the mobile body. Thus, the movementof the apparatus even in seated posture improves the convenience of theapparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the installing means and the guide meansare disposed on a roof portion of the mobile body. Thus, the apparatuscan be mounted inside the mobile body even if the floor portion is notavailable. This gives a wider possibility of selection in mounting theapparatus, and an opportunity to dispose various kinds of apparatus,which improves the convenience of the apparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the apparatus further comprises acontrol means for moving the installing means, when a power source isturned off after the installing means is moved, the installing meansreturns to the predetermined position. Thus, automatic returning of theapparatus to the predetermined position improves the convenience of theapparatus.

The device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thisinvention is arranged such that the predetermined position is a positionsandwiched between the driver's seat and the assistant driver's seat ofthe mobile body. Therefore, automatic movement of the apparatus to theposition of higher frequency in use improves the convenience of theapparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general arrangement of a deviceinstallation apparatus for a mobile body according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall arrangement of the deviceinstallation apparatus for a mobile body according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a principalportion in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation of aprincipal portion.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation of aprincipal portion.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a principalportion of a device installation apparatus for a mobile body accordingto the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which a lid portionis opened changed from the state in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view showing a side section of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an overall arrangement of the deviceinstallation apparatus for a mobile body according to the forthembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an overall arrangement of a deviceinstallation apparatus for a mobile body according to fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an overall arrangement of a deviceinstallation apparatus for a mobile body according to the sixthembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the operation of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a principalportion of a device installation apparatus for a mobile body accordingto the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a principal portion showing a state ofthe displaying means moved from the state in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a principal portion showing a state ofthe displaying means moved from the state in FIG. 14

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a general arrangement of a deviceinstallation apparatus for a mobile body according to ninth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an overall arrangement of adisplay apparatus according to fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation movedfrom the state in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation movedfrom the state in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation movedfrom the state in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing a section of a principal portion ofthe display apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation aprincipal portion.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation of aprincipal portion.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a principal portion of a rotarymechanism.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation of therotary mechanism.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a principalportion of the rotary mechanism.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a principal portion of a displayapparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the operation when aprincipal portion in FIG. 28 is operated.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view showing a section of the right side surfacein FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view showing a section of a lower surface of aprincipal portion in FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing an operation of a principalportion of the display apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a detailed view showing a principal portion of an inside of aconventional mobile body.

FIG. 34 is a detailed view of a principal portion of an inside of aconventional mobile body.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a centerconsole box provided inside a conventional mobile body.

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a principalportion of a display apparatus provided inside a conventional mobilebody.

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram showing a state of operation of thedisplay apparatus provided inside the conventional mobile body.

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram showing a state of operation of thedisplay apparatus provided inside the conventional mobile body.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In order to describe this invention in more detail, best mode forcarrying out this invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general arrangement of a deviceinstallation apparatus for a mobile body according to the firstembodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall arrangement ofthe device installation apparatus for a mobile body according to thefirst embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangementof a principal portion in FIG. 1.

In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, reference numeral 100 denotes an automotive vehicleas a mobile body. In this first embodiment, a description is made basedon a 6-passenger mini van type of automotive vehicle. Reference numeral101 denotes a front glass, reference numeral 102 denotes an instrumentpanel which is formed by resin or the like and is disposed in a front ofa vehicle compartment of the automotive vehicle 100, reference numeral103 denotes a combination meter panel for disposing therein those meterssuch as a speedometer, a tachometer or the like which are provided on aside of the driver's seat (to be described later) in the instrumentpanel 102, and reference numeral 104 denotes a steering wheel.

Further, reference numeral 105 denotes a dash board which forms an upperportion of the instrument panel 102, and reference numeral 106 denotes aglove compartment which is provided on a side of an assistant driver'sseat (to be described later) in the instrument panel 102. Further,reference numeral 2800 denotes a display apparatus which is provided ina central portion of the instrument panel 102.

Now, a description will be made about a display apparatus 2800.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a principal portion of a displayapparatus, FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a state of theoperation when a principal portion in FIG. 28 is operated, FIG. 30 is asectional view showing a section of the right side surface in FIG. 28and FIG. 31 is a sectional view showing a section of a lower surface ofa principal portion in FIG. 28.

In FIG. 28, reference numeral 2800 denotes the display apparatus. Thisdisplay apparatus 2800 is constituted by a displaying portion 2801 fordisplaying visual information, and an operating portion 2802 forperforming the operation of the display apparatus 2800. In a part of thelower portion of the displaying portion 2801, a rotary shaft 2803 of theoperating portion 2802 is provided.

The operating portion 2802 is rotatable in the direction P or Q on therotary shaft 2803. In housing the operating portion 2802 into thedisplay apparatus, i.e., in folding the operating portion 2802 so thatthe operating surface of the operating portion 2802 faces the displayingportion 2801, the operating portion 2802 is rotated in the direction P.In putting in the state in which the operation of the operating portion2802 can be made, i.e., in the condition shown in FIG. 29, the operatingportion 2802 is rotated in the direction Q.

By the way, in the state in which the operating portion 2802 is foldedas shown in FIG. 28, it is so arranged that the operation of theoperating portion 2802 cannot be made.

Then, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 107 denotes front seats. These frontseats are constituted by a driver's seat 107 a and an assistant driver'sseat 107 b. Reference numeral 108 denotes passengers seats in anintermediate row. These intermediate seats 108 are constituted, like inthe front seats 107, by a seat on the side of the driver's seat 107 a,i.e., the right side seat 108 a as viewed in FIG. 1 and a seat on theside of the assistant driver's seat 107 b, i.e., the left side seat 108b as viewed in FIG. 1.

In addition, behind the intermediate seats 108, rear seats (not shown)are provided. Like in the front seats 107 and the intermediate seats108, they are also constituted by two seats.

Then, reference numeral 109 denotes a console box as an installingmeans, which is provided in a position sandwiched between the driver'sseat 107 a and the assistant driver's seat 107 b of the automotivevehicle 100, and in which a desired device 200 such as a compact disc(CD) player 201, a cassette tape player 202, a digital versatile disc(DVD) player 203 or the like can be installed. On a bottom surface ofthis console box 109 an engaging portion 109 a for engaging with a railportion 110 (to be described later) is provided. In part of the centerconsole box 109, a fixing lever (not shown) is provided for fixing thecenter console box 109 after having moved it to the predeterminedposition. This fixing lever is engaged with part of the rail portion 110when the center console box 109 is fixed to the rail portion 110 and theengagement is released when the center console box 109 is moved.

Reference numeral 110 is the rail portion as a guide means for movablyguiding the center console box 109 in the longitudinal direction of theautomotive vehicle 100, i.e., in the direction A or B in FIG. 1. Thisrail portion 110 is formed by cutting part of the floor of theautomotive vehicle 100 into a slit. As shown in FIG. 3, it is soarranged that the engaging portion 109 a of the center console box 109slides inside the rail portion 110. By means of the engaging mechanismbetween the rail portion 110 and the engaging portion 109 of the centerconsole box 109, the center console box 109 is guided along the railportion 110.

Next, a description is made with reference to FIG. 2 in terms of anoverall arrangement of first embodiment.

In the center console box 109 desired devices 200 such as the CD player201, the cassette tape player 202, the DVD player 203 or the like isdisposed. An operating means 204 for operating these devices is furtherprovided.

On the other hand, inside the instrument panel 102 there are provided: acentral control means 2011 for supervising the respective control ofeach device mounted on the automotive vehicle; a display control means2021 for controlling the displaying means such as a display or the like;a volume control means 2031 for controlling a volume of a loud speaker2032 which outputs sounds; an engine control means 2041 for controllingthe operation of the engine 2042 mounted on the automotive vehicle 100;and an air conditioner control means 2051 for controlling the operationof an air conditioner 2052 mounted on the automotive vehicle 100.

Here, the display control means 2021, the volume control means 2031, theengine control means 2041 and the air conditioner control means 2051 arecontrolled in response to the operation commands from the centralcontrol means 2011. The central control means 2011 performs thepredetermined operation controls, e.g., stopping the operation or thelike.

A description will now be made about the operation. When a passengerinside the automotive vehicle operates the control means 204, the CDplayer 201, the cassette tape player 202, the DVD player 203 or the likeinside the center console box 109 is operated. For outputting audibleinformation, a command is outputted by the central control means 2011 tothe volume control means 2031 to take given control. The volume controlmeans 2031 takes control of the volume to the loud speaker 2032 inresponse to the command from this control means 2011, thereby outputtinga sound from the loud speaker 2032.

For outputting visual information, a command is outputted by the centralcontrol means 2011 to the display control means 2021 to take givencontrol. The display control of the displaying means 2022 is taken inresponse to the command from this central control means 2011, therebydisplaying visual information on the displaying means 2022.

Next, a description is made about the state in which the center consolebox 109 moves inside the automotive vehicle 100 with reference to FIGS.4 and 5.

These FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively show the state in which the centerconsole box 109 is situated corresponding to the intermediate seats 108,and to the rear seats (not shown). When the center console box 109 ismoved from the position shown in FIG. 1 in the direction B, it is movedthrough the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5.When the center console box 109 is moved in the direction A, it is movedin the reverse direction, i.e., from the position shown in FIG. 5 to theposition shown in FIG. 1 through the position shown in FIG. 4.

Therefore, as described above, the center console box 109, as theinstalling means, which is provided in the position sandwiched betweenthe driver's seat 107 a and the assistant driver's seat 107 b of theautomotive vehicle 100, and in which the desired devices 200 as the CDplayer 201, the cassette tape player 202, the DVD player 203 or the likecan be installed is movably along the rail portion 110. Therefore, itbecomes possible for the passengers seated other than in the front seatsto operate the audio device and the image reproducing device.Particularly, the replacement of memory media such as discs or the liketo be inserted into the devices housed inside the center console box 109by the passengers themselves improves the convenience of the apparatus.

In addition, the movement of the center console box 109 housed thereinthe audio device and the image reproducing device to a position favoriteto the passengers improves the convenience of the user.

In the above description, the first embodiment has been set forthreferring to the CD player 201, the cassette tape player 202 and the DVDplayer 203 as examples of the devices to be housed inside the centerconsole box. Alternatively, it may be provided a game playing device, apersonal computer, or other devices quite foreign to the above devicessuch as a water boiling equipment or the like.

Second Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the second embodiment of this invention.

The center console box described in the first embodiment may also bearranged as follows.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a principalportion of a device installation apparatus for a mobile body accordingto the second embodiment, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing thestate in which a lid portion is opened in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is asectional side view showing a side section of FIG. 6.

In these figures, reference numeral 600 denotes a center console box asan installing means. On an upper portion of this center console box 600,a lid member 601 for the center console box 600 is provided. This lidmember 601 is constituted by a left-side lid member 6011 which isdisposed on the left side as viewed in the figure, and a right-side lidmember 6012 which is disposed on the right side, both of which areindependent of each other.

One end portion of a side surface of the center console box 600 servesas an axis of rotation. When the left-side lid member 6011 is to beopened as shown in FIG. 7, it rotates in the direction C and, when it isto be closed, it rotates in the direction D. The right-side lid member6012 rotates in the direction F when it is opened, and rotates in thedirection E when closed.

Reference numeral 701 shown in FIG. 7 denotes a mounting/dismountingrelease button which is operated by pushing in mounting or dismountingthe devices housed inside the center console box 600. The operation ofthis mounting/dismounting release button 701 allows mounting ordismounting of the devices 702 into and out of the center console box.This enables free replacement of the devices housed inside the centerconsole box.

Further, when the mounting/dismounting release button 701 is operatedwhich is in a state as shown in FIG. 7, the mounting or dismounting ofthe devices is released.

In addition, reference numeral 801 shown in FIG. 8 denotes a connectoras a mounting/dismounting means for detachably holding independently theaudio device, the image reproducing device or the like to be housedinside the center console box 600. A plurality of connectors 801 areprovided so that a plurality of detachably mounted audio devices, theimage reproducing devices or the like can be provided therein.

On a front end 8011 of each of these connectors 801, there are providedpins for: an electric power supply line (not shown) which supplieselectric power from a power buttery (not shown) mounted on theautomotive vehicle; an audible information outputting line (not shown)which outputs audible information to be outputted from the audio device,the image reproducing device or the like to the central control means2011 provided inside the instrument panel 102; and a visual informationoutputting line (not shown) which outputs the visual information. Thesepins 8011 are arranged such that, when the audio device, the imagereproducing device or the like is housed inside the center console box600, the pins are fit into a connector (not shown) provided on a rearsurface of the audio device, the image reproducing device or the like,thereby supplying electric power to the audio device, the imagereproducing device or the like, and such that the audible informationand the visual information to be outputted from the audio device and theimage reproducing device are outputted to the central control means2011.

Reference numeral 8012 denotes a holding portion for holding the housedaudible device and the image reproducing device by holding them when theaudio device and the image reproducing device are housed into the centerconsole box 600 and the connectors provided in the audio device and theimage reproducing device are fit into the pins 8011. When the audiodevice or the image reproducing device is to be dismounted from theconnector 801 provided inside the center console box 600, the device tobe dismounted from the center console box 600 can be pulled up whileoperating the mounting/dismounting release button 701. Then, the holdingportion 8012 is disengaged from the connector provided in the devicewith the help of this pulling-up force.

Therefore, by providing the connector 801 inside the center console box600 as described above, when the audio device or the image reproducingdevice is housed inside the center console box 600, the connectorsprovided in the audio device and the image reproducing device and theconnectors 801 inside the center console box 600 are fit with each otherto hold the audio device and the image reproducing device, and each ofthese devices can be dismounted from the connector 801. Therefore, thedevices to be housed inside the center console box 600 can be freelyreplaced. In other words, even if a failure or the like is occurred inthe devices, the devices can easily be removed because they are notfixed by means of screws or the like, so that the maintenability of theapparatus is thus improved. Further, the easy operation of the apparatusimproves the freedom in design of the apparatus as a system.

Third Embodiment

A description will be made about of a device installation apparatus fora mobile body according to the third embodiment of this invention.

In the above second embodiment of this invention, the device that can behoused inside the center console box 600 has been set forth.Alternatively, it may also be housed therein only one device. Arrangingin this manner the same effect is obtained that the device to be housedinside the center console box 600 can easily be replaced.

Forth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the forth embodiment of this invention.

In the above first embodiment, the electric power supply line, theaudible information output line, the visual information output line orthe like is used for connection between the audio device, the imagereproducing device or the like housed in the center console box 109 andthe central control means 2011 provided inside the instrument panel 102have been set forth. Alternatively, a communication network may beestablished between them using, for example, the technology of“Bluetooth” which has recently been become the main current.

Here, a brief description will be made aboutu the “Bluetooth”technology.

As described in No. 759 (issued Dec. 13, 1999) of a publication entitled“NIKKEI ELECTRONICS,” “Bluetooth” is a wireless interface using as acarrier frequency an Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) band of 2.4 GHzrequiring no licence, and it uses a spread spectrum technology based onfrequency hopping method.

There are three classes in the transmission outputs of radio waves, inwhich class 1 is +20 dBm (maximum transmission distance is 100 m), class2 is +4 dBm, and class 3 is 0 dBm (maximum transmission distance is 10m).

Here, since class 1 requires an externally mounted power amplifiercircuit, ordinarily, class 2 or class 3 will have to be considered.

By using this “Bluetooth” technology, a maximum of 7 devices can beconnected to a network.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an overall arrangement of the deviceinstallation apparatus for a mobile body according to the fourthembodiment of this invention. It shows a center console box 900, aninside of an instrument panel 910, using the above “Bluetooth”technology, i.e. an onboard local area network (LAN) 920.

Inside the center console box 900, they are provided an operating means9041, a CD player 9012, a cassette tape player 9022, and a DVD player9032 which are operated by this operating means. Further, there areprovided: a transmitting means 9042 for transmitting an operationcommand of the operating means 9041; a receiving means 9011 compliedwith the CD player 9012 for receiving the transmitted signal of thistransmitting means 9042; a receiving means 9021 complied with thecassette tape player 9022; a receiving means 9031 complied with the DVDplayer 9032; a transmitting means 9013 for transmitting an output signalof the CD player 9012; a transmitting means 9023 for transmitting anoutput signal of the cassette tape player 9022; and a transmitting means9033 for transmitting an output signal of the DVD player 9032.

Here, the transmitting means 9013, 9023, 9033 receive the signalstransmitted from the transmitting means 9111, and output an operationcommand to each device.

Then, a description will be made about the operation.

First, in case the CD player 9012 operated by the operating means 9041,the receiving means 9011 of the CD player 9012 receives an operationcommand in response to the operation command of the operating means 9041through the transmitting means 9042. When the operation command isreceived by this receiving means 9011, the CD player 9012 outputsaudible and visual information. The signal outputted from this CD player9012 is transmitted by the transmitting means 9013 and received by atransmitting/receiving means 9111 provided inside of the instrumentpanel 910.

Similarly, in case of the cassette tape player 9022 and the DVD player9032, when the operation command from the operating means 9041 isreceived, the receiving means 9021 or the receiving means 9031 receivesthe operation command through the transmitting means 9042. When thisreceiving means 9021 or the receiving means 9031 is received theoperation command, the cassette tape player 9022 or the DVD player 9032operates to output audible information or the visual information. Thisoutput signal is transmitted by the transmitting means 9023 or thetransmitting means 9033 and received by the transmitting/receiving means9111 of the central control means 9112 provided inside of the instrumentpanel 910.

Then, the central control means 9.112 provided inside of the instrumentpanel 910 takes display control of the visual information through thetransmitting/receiving means 9121 if the visual information is includedin the signal received by the transmitting/receiving means 9111, therebyoutputting the information to the displaying means 9123 for displayingon the displaying means 9123.

In addition, the central control means 9112 takes control of volume ofthe audible information by the volume control means 9132 through thetransmitting/receiving means 9111 if the audible information is includedin the signal received by the transmitting/receiving means 9111, therebyoutputting the information to a loud speaker 9133 for outputting a soundfrom the loud speaker 9133.

Inside the instrument panel 910, there is provided, as anotherarrangement, an engine control means 9142 for controlling an engine 9143mounted on the automotive vehicle. This engine control means 9142 isprovided with a transmitting/receiving means 9141 for receiving thesignal transmitted from the transmitting/receiving means 9111 in thecentral control means 9112.

There is further provided an air conditioner control means 9152 forcontrolling an air conditioner 9153 mounted on the automotive vehicle.This air conditioner control means 9152 is provided with atransmitting/receiving means 9151 for receiving a signal transmittedfrom the transmitting/receiving means 9111 in the central control means9112.

Furthermore, the above transmission line is constituted as an onboardLAN 920.

In other words, in order to configure the above network, each of theaudio devices and the image reproducing devices is provided with atransmitting/receiving means adopting the ISM band of 2.4 GHz. Thecentral control means 9112 provided inside the instrument panel 910 isalso provided with the transmitting/receiving means 9111 adopting theISM band of 2.4 GHz to build a system using a wireless type oftransmitting/receiving means.

Conventionally, although the audio device and the image reproducingdevice as well as wiring materials such as an electric power supplyline, audible information output line or the like are used to takecontrol of these devices, the wiring materials are no more required. Asa result, since the wiring space under the floor can be reduced, thefloor inside the center control box can be constructed in a clear way.Furthermore, since a plurality of devices can be networked, each devicecan centrally be controlled and the freedom in design can be improved.In the above fourth embodiment, the “Bluetooth” was used as the wirelesstechnology. Alternatively, as an infrared-ray type of wirelesstechnology, an IrDA type may also be used. By arranging in this manner,the wiring materials such as the electric power supply line, the visualinformation outputting line, the audible information outputting line orthe like that were conventionally used to connect the devices are notrequired any more. As a consequence, an effect is obtained that thewiring space under the floor can be reduced.

Fifth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the fifth embodiment of this invention.

In the above first through fourth embodiments, the arrangements in whichan operation of the audio device or the image reproducing device housedin the center console box are opened to anybody. Alternatively, theoperation may be opened only to the restricted user.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an overall arrangement according tothe fifth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operationof FIG. 10.

A description will first be made about the arrangement with reference toFIG. 10.

Reference numeral 1000 denotes a center console box. Inside this centerconsole box 1000, a CD player 1001, a cassette tape player 1002 and aDVD player 1003 are provided. An operating means 1004 is provided forperforming the predetermined operations of these devices.

In addition, on a part of the periphery of the center console box 1000,a user judging means 1010 for is provided judging whether a user of theapparatus is an appropriate user or not. This user judging means 1010 isarranged such that, only when the means 100 has judged the user to be anappropriate, the operation of the audio device and the image reproducingdevice housed in the center console box is permitted.

In addition, the user judging means 1010 is provided with a fingerprintverifying means 1011 for judging whether the user is an appropriate useror not by verifying the user's fingerprint, and a voice verifying means1013 for judging whether the user is an appropriate user or not byverifying the voices pronounced by the user. The fingerprint verifyingmeans 1011 is provided with a fingerprint memory means 1012 for storingin advance the fingerprint information of the user to be compared withuser's fingerprint when the fingerprint verification is done. Further,the voice verifying means 1013 is provided with a voice memory means1014 for storing in advance the voice information of the user to becompared with user's voice when the voice verification is done.

Inside the instrument panel 1020 there are provided: a central controlmeans 1021 for taking overall control of all the devices mounted on theautomotive vehicle; a display control means 1022 for controlling thedisplaying means 1026 such as a display or the like; a volume controlmeans 1023 for controlling the volume of the loud speaker 1027 whichoutputs a sound; an engine control means 1024 for controlling theoperation of an engine 1028 mounted on the automotive vehicle; and anair conditioner control means 1025 for controlling the operation of anair conditioner 1029 mounted on the automotive vehicle.

Here, the display control means 1022, the volume control means 1023, theengine control means 1024 and the air conditioner control means 1025 arecontrolled in response to the operation command from the central controlmeans 1021. The central control means 1021 performs the predeterminedoperation, e.g., stopping of operation or the like, of each devicehoused inside the central console box 1000.

Now, a description will be made about the operation with reference toFIG. 11.

First, once an ignition switch of the automotive vehicle is turned on(step 100), when a user wishes to play the CD player 1002, the cassettetape player 1002 or the DVD player 1003 housed in the center console box1000, the operator, i.e., the user pushes his or her finger against thefingerprint verifying means 1011 so as to detect his or her fingerprint.

As a result, once the fingerprint verifying means 1011 has judged tohave detected the fingerprint (step 101), the fingerprint verifyingmeans 1011 reads out from the fingerprint memory means 1012 thefingerprint that has been stored in advance by the approved user andmakes a comparison with the fingerprint detected at step 101. If the twofingerprints have judged to coincide with each other as a result ofcomparison (step 102), the user can gain access to each of the deviceshoused in the center console box 1000.

In this state, if the operation of the operating means 1004 has made toany one of the devices (step 103), each of the devices is operated basedon this operation (step 104).

After having executed this step 104, if the ignition switch is turnedoff, the operation of each of the devices housed in the center consolebox 1000 is prohibited. Unless a fingerprint verification is done onceagain, and judged the intended user to be the appropriate user, thedevices are set to an inoperable state (step 105).

After having this step 105, when the ignition switch is turned on, theprocedure returns to step 101 to get into a wait condition to make ajudgement as to whether the fingerprint verifying means 1011 hasdetected a fingerprint or not (step 106). The same processing isrepeated after step 102.

Here, when a fingerprint has not detected at step 101, it will again getinto a wait condition for the fingerprint detection, and the procedurereturns to step 101.

Further, in case at step 102 the fingerprint verifying means 1011 hasjudged that the detected fingerprint does not coincide with thefingerprint that has been stored in the fingerprint storing means 1012,the procedure proceeds to step 105 if no operation is made at step 103to the device housed in the center console box 1000 even after thepredetermined time elapsed. It will get into a wait condition for theignition switch to be turned off.

Further, if the ignition switch is not turned off at step 105, theprocedure returns to step 103 and will get into a wait condition for theoperation of the devices.

Furthermore, if the ignition switch is not turned on at step 106, theprocedure returns again to step 106. It will get into a wait conditionfor the ignition switch to be turned on.

Therefore, when the fingerprint of the user does not coincide with thefingerprint that has been stored in advance as described above, the useris prohibited from being accessed to the devices housed in the centerconsole box. In this manner, a restriction on the user can be imposed.For example, the imposition of such restriction on the user leads to theprevention of the operating means from being tampered by children, or tothe protection of the devices from being stolen, resulting in animprovement in the convenience of the apparatus.

Sixth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the sixth embodiment of this invention.

In the above fifth embodiment, the restriction of the user is imposed onthe audio device or the image reproducing device housed in the centerconsole box by using the user judging means, in case each device isdetachably from the center console box, it may also be imposed therestriction, aside from it on the operation of each device, and on themounting and dismounting of each device.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an overall arrangement according tothe sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the operationof FIG. 12.

First, a description is made about the construction with reference toFIG. 12.

The same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements in FIG.10, and therefore descriptions thereof are omitted.

Reference numeral 1005 denotes a mounting/dismounting operation controlmeans for imposing a restriction as to whether the mounting ordismounting operations of the CD player 1001, the cassette tape player1002 and the DVD player 1003 housed in the center console box 1000 willbe allowed or not based on the result of judgement by the user judgingmeans 1010.

Then, a description of the operation will be made with reference to FIG.13.

First, once the ignition switch of the automotive vehicle is turned on(step 200), when a user wishes to play the CD player 1002, the cassettetape player 1002 or the DVD player 1003 housed in the center console box1000, the operator, i.e., the user pushes his or her finger against thefingerprint verifying means 1011 so as to detect his or her fingerprint.

As a result, once the fingerprint verifying means 1011 has judged tohave detected the fingerprint (step 201), the fingerprint verifyingmeans 1011 reads out from the fingerprint memory means 1012 thefingerprint that has been stored in advance by the approved user andmakes a comparison with the fingerprint detected at step 201. If the twofingerprints have judged to coincide with each other as a result ofcomparison (step 202), the user can gain access to each of the deviceshoused in the center console box 1000.

In this state, if the operation of the operating means 1004 has made toany one of the devices (step 203), each of the devices is operated basedon this operation (step 204).

Then, if the mounting/dismounting operation means 701 shown in FIG. 7 isoperated to any of the devices (step 205), the mounting/dismountingcontrol means 1005 makes it possible, based on this operation, todismount the device to be mounted on or dismounted from the centerconsole box 1000 (step 206).

After having executed this step 206, if the ignition switch is turnedoff, the operation of each of the devices housed in the center consolebox 1000 gets in a prohibited state, and the mounting/dismountingoperation of each device is also set to this state. Unless fingerprintverification is done once again and judged the intended user to be anappropriate user, each devise is set to an inoperable andunmounting/undismounting state (step 207).

After having executed this step 207, if the ignition switch is turnedon, the procedure returns to step 201 to get into a state to make ajudgement as to whether the fingerprint control means 1011 has detecteda fingerprint or not (step 208). The same processing is repeated afterstep 202.

Here, if a fingerprint has not detected at step 201, it will again getinto a wait condition for the fingerprint detection, and the procedurereturns to step 201.

Further, in case at step 202 the fingerprint verifying means 1011 hasjudged that the detected fingerprint does not coincide with thefingerprint that has been stored in the fingerprint storing means 1012,the procedure proceeds to step 207 if no operation is made at step 205to the device housed in the center console box 1000 even after thepredetermined time elapsed. The state will thus get into a waitcondition for the ignition switch to be turned off.

Further, if no operation is made to the device housed in the centerconsole box 1000 after the predetermined time elapsed, the procedureproceeds to step 205, and the state will be get into a wait conditionfor the mounting/dismounting operation of each device.

Further, if the ignition switch is not turned off at step 207, theprocedure returns to step 203 and the state will get into a waitcondition for the operation of the device.

Furthermore, if the ignition switch is not turned on at step 208, theprocedure returns again to step 208. The state will thus get into a waitcondition for the ignition switch to be turned on.

Therefore, as a result of comparison of the fingerprint of the user, ifrevealed that it does not coincide with the fingerprint that has beenstored in advance as described above, the user access is prohibited toprevent the devices housed in the central console box 1000 from beingoperated, and to prevent each of the devices housed in the centerconsole box from being dismounted. The restriction of the dismounting ofthe devices ensures the further prevention of the tampering and thetheft.

As a method for prohibiting the mounting or the dismounting of thedevices housed in the center console box 1000, a method is employed fordisabling the mounting or dismounting operation by canceling the aboveoperation even if the mounting/dismounting release button 701 shown inFIG. 7 is operated.

Seventh Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to another seventh embodiment of this invention.

In the above fifth and sixth embodiments, a fingerprint verifying meansis used as the user judging means. Alternatively, voice verifying meansmay be used in judging the user. In this case, this arrangement isexpected to have an effect equivalent to that in fifth and sixthembodiments.

Further, as the user judging means, both the fingerprint verifying meansand the voice verifying means are provided. Alternatively, only one ofthem may be provided. In addition, both may be provided so that anappropriate user can be judged by using the results of judgement ofboth. The above arrangements contribute to restriction of the user, andto further improvement in the accuracy of the apparatus.

Eighth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the eighth embodiment of this invention.

In the above first through seventh embodiments, audio devices and imagereproducing devices are disposed in the center console box.Alternatively, a display means for displaying visual information mayalso provided.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a principalportion according to the eighth embodiment, and FIGS. 15 and 16 areschematic diagram of a principal portion showing the states of thedisplaying means moved from the state in FIG. 14.

In FIGS. 14 through 16, reference numeral 105 denotes a displaying meanssuch as a display or the like. This displaying means 105 is constitutedby an operating portion 1051 and a displaying portion 1052.

This operating portion 1051 is rotatable in the direction H or G in FIG.14. When the operating portion is folded, it rotates in the direction Hso that the operating surface of the operating portion 1051 faces thedisplaying portion 1052.

When the operating portion 1051 is folded in this manner, the operationthereof cannot be made.

Reference numeral 107 a denotes a driver's seat and reference numeral1400 denotes a center console box. In this center console box 1400 adisplaying means 1401 is provided, and the display surface of thisdisplaying means 1401 faces backward.

Reference numeral 1402 denotes a housing space formed in the centerconsole box 1401 for housing therein the displaying means 1401. It is soarranged that the displaying means 1401 can wholly be housed inside thecenter console box 1400.

Now, referencing to FIGS. 15 and 16, a description of the operation willbe made about housing of the displaying means 1401 into the centerconsole box 1400.

When the displaying means 1401 is in use, it is disposed as shown inFIG. 14. When this displaying means 1401 is to be housed inside thecenter console box 1400, the orientation of the displaying means 1401 ischanged to the direction I as shown in FIG. 15.

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the displaying means 1401 is laid down in thedirection K to house it inside the center console box 1400.

The center console box 1400 is thus provided, aside from the audiodevice and the image reproducing device, with the displaying means 1401for displaying the visual information of these devices. When thisdisplaying means 1401 is not in use, it is housed inside the centerconsole box 1400. Conventionally, since the displaying means is providedin the center portion or the like in the instrument panel, thepassengers seated in a position behind the front seats are difficult tosee the visual information. This arrangement, however, has an effectthat these passengers are easy to see the visual information, resultingin an improvement in the visibility of the visual information.

Ninth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the ninth embodiment of this invention.

In the above first through eighth embodiments, the center console boxand the rail portion are provided on the floor portion inside theautomotive vehicle. Alternatively, the center console box and the railportion may also be provided on a roof portion of the automotivevehicle.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual illustration showing a conceptual arrangementaccording to the ninth embodiment. Reference numeral 107 a denotes adriver's seat, reference numeral 108 a denotes a right-side intermediateseat positioned just behind the driver's seat, and reference numeral 108b denotes a left-side intermediate seat positioned just behind theassistant driver's seat.

Reference numeral 1700 denotes a roof portion inside the automotivevehicle. In this roof portion 1700, there are provided: a center consolebox 1710 housed therein a plurality of audio devices and imagereproducing devices; and a rail portion 1720 which is internally engagedwith an engaging portion (not shown) formed in part of the centerconsole box and provided in the roof portion positioned between theseats disposed on the right side and the seats disposed on the leftside, so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the automotivevehicle.

This center console box 1710 is movable, like in the above firstembodiment, in the direction M or N shown in FIG. 17.

As described above, since the center console box 1710 and the railportion 1720 are provided in the roof portion inside the automotivevehicle, it is possible to offer a situation in which the aboveapparatus can be utilized in a mobile body such as a bus, an electrictrain, an airplane or the like in which the floor portion such as in theautomotive vehicle cannot be used as a passage for the passengers. As aresult, an effect is obtained that more wider applications of theapparatus can be found, and that the limited space inside the mobilebody can be effectively utilized.

The above ninth embodiment has been set forth with put a limitation thatthe floor portion of the automotive vehicle cannot be used.Alternatively, needless to say, this apparatus may also be used in acase in which the floor portion can be used.

Further, it may also be provided the rail portion in both the floorportion and the roof portion so that, depending on the purpose of use,the center console box can be placed to either of the rail portions.

Tenth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the tenth embodiment of this invention.

In the above first through ninth embodiments, when the center consolebox is moved, it is manually moved by the user. Alternatively, a rollerportion also may be provided, which comes into contact with the engagingportion of the center console box so as to rotate by a driving force ofa driving motor. When the center console box is moved, the centerconsole box which is in contact with the roller portion is automaticallymoved, by rotating the roller portion, along the guide of the railportion.

In other words, when the user operates by pushing the operating meanssuch as a remote controller or the like, the driving motor is rotated inresponse to the operation command. By means of the roller portion whichrotates in response to this rotation, the center console box isautomatically moved.

Therefore, automatic moving of the central console box eliminates thetrouble incident to manual moving of the center console box by the user,resulting in an improvement of the convenience of the apparatus.

Eleventh Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the eleventh embodiment of this invention.

In the above tenth embodiment, the center console box can beautomatically moved by the operation of the user. Alternatively, thecenter console box may be automatically returned to the predeterminedposition, i.e., to a default position when the ignition switch is turnedon.

Therefore, owing to arrangement as described above, because thepredetermined position is a position which is convenient to the user,the position of the center console box which is changed by the movementof the center console box is reset when the ignition switch is turnedoff to automatically move it to the default position. Therefore, theuser is not obliged to move the center console box whenever he or she ison the automotive vehicle, resulting in an improvement in theconvenience of the user.

Twentieth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the twentieth embodiment of this invention.

In the above eleventh embodiment, when the power source of theautomotive vehicle is turned off, i.e., the ignition switch is turnedoff, the center console box is returned to the predetermined position,i.e., to a default position. Alternatively, the default position may beset to a position near the seat of the driver who is the most frequentpassenger of the automotive vehicle, i.e., to a position between thedriver's seat and the assistant driver's seat.

Previous setting of the position corresponding to the seat of the driverwho is the most frequent passenger of the automotive vehicle as thedefault position improves the driver's convenience.

Thirteenth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

The rail portion may be provided with a plurality of recessed portionsat an interval, e.g., of 5 cm as engaging portions for engaging thecenter console box. When the center console box 109 is moved based onthe guide of the rail portion 110, the center console box 109 may beengaged with any one of the plurality of recessed portions. It is thusso arranged that the center console box is engaged with the recessedportion and the movement of the center console box is once stoppedthere.

Therefore, positioning of the moving position of the center console boxcan easily be made and the operability in moving operation of theconsole box is improved.

Fourteenth Embodiment

A description will be made about a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

In the above thirteenth embodiment, the recessed portions formed in apart of the rail portion may be provided so as to correspond to thepositions of seats disposed inside the automotive vehicle. Theoperability of the moving operation of the center console box canfurther be improved.

Fifteenth Embodiment

A description will now be made about a display apparatus to be providedin an automotive vehicle-together with a device installation apparatusfor a mobile body according to the fifteenth embodiment of thisinvention.

In the above first embodiment, the display 105 as shown in FIGS. 28through 31 is provided in the central portion of the instrument panel102. Alternatively, the display 105 may be constituted as will bedescribed below.

FIG. 18 is an overall block diagram showing an overall arrangement of adisplay apparatus, FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are schematic diagram showing astate of the operation moved the state from FIG. 18.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 1800 denotes a display apparatus providedin a central portion of an instrument panel 102. This display apparatus1800 is constituted by: a displaying portion 1801 as a displaying meansfor displaying visual information; a supporting portion made up of aleft side supporting portion 1803 and a right side supporting portion1804, both serving as a supporting means for supporting an operatingportion 1802 (to be described later) on both ends which correspond tolower peripheral portions 1801 a of this displaying portion 1801 asviewed in FIG. 18; and the operating portion 1802 as an operating meansfor performing an operation of this display apparatus 1800. Thisoperating portion 1802 is rotatable on the supporting portion.

In addition, in FIGS. 19 and 20, the supporting portion constituted bythe left side supporting portion 1803 and the right side supportingportion 1804 is formed by an arm portion. At the time of setting to afirst position in which the operating portion 1802 is housed, the armportion is housed and, at the time of setting to a second position, thearm portion which moves coupled with the operating portion so as toseparate the displaying portion 1801 and the operating portion 1802projects forward. The left side supporting portion 1803 is constitutedby a first left arm portion 1803 a and a second left arm portion 1803 bwhich is housed inside the first left arm portion 1803 a, both 1803a/1803 b being defined as the arm portion. In addition, the right sidesupporting portion 1804 is constituted by a first right arm portion 1804a and a second right arm portion 1804 b which is housed inside the firstright arm portion 1804 a, both 1804 a/1804 b being defined as the armportion. The first left arm portion 1803 a and the first right armportion 1804 a are housed inside the instrument panel. In other words,in case the operating portion 1802 is not in use, the left sidesupporting portion 1803 and the right side supporting portion 1804 are,as shown in FIG. 18, housed inside the instrument panel.

In a part of each of those surfaces of the first left arm portion 1803 aand the first right arm portion 1804 a which face each other, i.e., in apart of the left side surface of the first right arm portion 1804 a, aslit-like groove portion 1805 is provided as shown in FIG. 21, and in apart of the right side surface of the first left arm portion 1803 a, agroove portion 1805 is formed, which is similar to the groove portion1805 formed in the first right arm portion 1804 a.

Further, in a part of the left side surface of the second right armportion 1804 b, a projected portion 1806 is formed. This projectedportion 1806 is fit into the groove portion 1805 formed in the firstright arm portion 1804 a. It is thus so arranged that the projectedportion 1806 slidably moves inside the groove portion 1805 coupled withthe movement of the second right arm portion 1804 b. In addition, in apart of the right side surface of the second left arm portion 1803 b, aprojected portion 1806 is formed, which is similar to the projectedportion 1806 formed in the second right arm portion 1804 b. Thisprojected portion 1806 is fit into the groove portion 1805 formed in thefirst left arm portion 1803 a. It is thus so arranged that the projectedportion 1806 slidably moves along the groove portion 1805 coupled withthe movement of the second left arm portion 1803 b.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 22 through 24, the mechanism forperforming the operation for projecting the operating portion 1802toward this side from the displaying portion 1801 will now be described.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing a section in the longitudinaldirection of the left side supporting portion 1803. FIGS. 23 and 24 showthe state in which the first left arm portion 1803 a and the second leftarm portion 1803 b project in the left direction as viewed in thefigures, i.e., extend in the left direction, from the state shown inFIG. 22 to the state shown in FIG. 20.

In FIG. 22, reference numeral 1810 denotes a roller portion providedinside the display apparatus. A contact surface of this roller portion1810 comes into contact with the lower surfaces of the first left armportion 1803 a and the second arm portion 1803 b.

Having been arranged as described above, once a user gives a pullingforce to the operating portion 1802 so as to pull it out, the rollerportion 1810 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. As a result,first, the second left arm portion 1803 b extends in the direction S asshown in FIG. 19, i.e., in the extending direction toward this side. Atthis time, although the state is as shown in FIG. 23, from the viewpointof the relationship between the groove portion 1805 and the projectedportion 1806, the projected portion 1806 formed on the right side of thesecond left arm portion 1803 b slides, coupled with the movement of thesecond left arm portion 1803 b, inside the groove portion 1805 formed inthe right side surface of the first left side arm portion 1803 a. Theprojected portion 1806 moves to the left end portion of the grooveportion 1805, with the result that the projected portion 1806 is incontact with the left end portion of the groove portion 1805.

Further, with the help of the pulling out force of the operating portion1802, the first left arm portion 1803 a is moved, with the projectedportion 1806 serving as a supporting point, from a state of contact withthe left end portion of the groove portion 1805 in the direction S asshown in FIG. 19 to a state as shown in FIG. 24. The display apparatusas a whole will get into the state as shown in FIG. 20.

Next, a description will be made about a mechanism which performs therotating operation of the operating portion 1802 to enable an operatingsurface 1802 a to face toward the operator so as to operate theoperating portion 1802.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a principal portion of a rotarymechanism, FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state of theoperation of the rotary mechanism, and FIG. 27 is a schematic diagramshowing an arrangement of a principal portion of the rotary mechanism.

In FIG. 25, reference numeral 2500 denotes a rotation restricting plateportion for restricting the rotary motion of the operating portion 1802.This rotation restricting plate portion 2500 is constituted by: afitting hole 2501 which supports, with fitting thereinto, a front endportion of a shaft portion 2701 which is integrally formed in a part ofeach end surface of the operating portion 1802 as shown in FIG. 27; agroove portion 2502 which is formed into an arcuate shape; and screwholes 2504 for mounting by screws or the like on a front end of thisside of the right side surface of the second left arm portion 1803 b andon a front end of this side of the left side surface of the second rightarm portion 1804 b.

In addition, in FIG. 27, reference numeral 2700 denotes an elementconstituting a rotary shaft of the operating portion 1802 which isformed integrally with a part of each end surface of the operatingportion 1802. This rotary shaft 2700 has also integrally formed with aplate portion 2702, which is formed into a disk shape and has formed aprojected portion 2503 in part thereof. The projected portion 2503 isfit into the fitting hole 2501 in the rotation restricting plate portion2500, and a member 2710 to prevent the rotation restricting plateportion 2500 from being pulled out is mounted on the rotary shaft 2700near a front end portion 2703 thereof.

Here, FIG. 25 shows a state in which the projected portion 2503 is fitinto the groove portion 2502. Reference numeral 2503 a denotes aposition of the projected portion 2503 in which, as shown in FIGS. 18,19 and 20, the operating portion 1802 is folded, i.e., is closed.Reference numeral 2503 b, on the other hand, shows a position of theprojected portion 2503 in which, as shown in FIG. 21, the operatingportion 1802 is opened. In this manner, the rotary movement isrestricted by the contact of the projected portion 2503 with the endportions of the groove portion 2502.

Further, as to these operations, as shown in FIG. 26, “A” denotes astate in which the operating portion 1802 is closed. The projectedportion 2503 in this state is in the position of 2503 a. “B” shown indotted lines denotes a position in which the operating portion 1802 isopened. The projected portion 2503 in this state is in the position of2503 b.

Then, a description will be made about the rotary motion of theoperating portion 1802.

First, at the time of non-operation, i.e., in a state in which nooperation is made, the operating surface 1802 a of the operating portion1802 is set, as shown in FIG. 18, in a first position facing the displaysurface of the displaying portion 1801. On the other hand, at the timeof operation, i.e., when an operation is made, after the operatingportion 1802 is pulled out of the first position shown in FIG. 18, theoperating portion 1802 is rotated in the direction U as shown in FIG.21, thereby setting the operating portion 1802 to a second position inwhich the operation of the operating surface 1802 a of the operatingportion 1802 is possible.

Here, a description will be made about a series of movements to changefrom the state in which the operating portion 1802 is wholly housed inthe display apparatus as shown in FIG. 18, to the state in which theoperating portion 1802 is completely separated from the displayapparatus as shown in FIG. 21, thereby enabling an operation of theoperating surface 1802 a.

In the state shown in FIG. 18, the user pulls out the operating portion1802 and, after having pulled out the operating portion 1802 to thepredetermined position through the positions shown FIGS. 19 and 20, theoperating portion 1802 is rotated in the direction U as shown in FIG.21, thereby appearing the operating surface 1802 a in the vehiclecompartment.

On the contrary, when the operating portion 1802 is housed face to facewith the displaying portion from the state shown in FIG. 21, theoperations are made in the reverse direction of those as describedabove.

Therefore, as described above, since the apparatus is constituted,together with the displaying portion and the operating portion, by thesupporting means which supports the operating portion and isretractable, and the rotary mechanism which rotates the operatingportion. This enables operation of the operating portion in a positionfavorite to the user. In other words, the operation can be made in acomfortable posture while the user remains seated, resulting in animprovement in the convenience.

FIG. 32 shows a state in which only the operating portion 2802 rotatesto get into an operable state without pulling out the supportingportion. In this manner, depending on how the user uses, it may beperformed only the rotary operation of the operating portion 2802without projecting the supporting portion.

Sixteenth Embodiment

A description will be made about a display apparatus provided in anautomotive vehicle together with a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

In the above fifteenth embodiment, it lacks a description thatdisplaying on the display surface in a state in which, as shown in FIG.18, the operating surface 1803 a of the operating portion 1802 faceswith the display surface of the displaying portion 1801, i.e., theoperating surface 1802 a of the operating portion 1802 is folded ontothe displaying portion 1801 so that the display surface and theoperating surface are overlapped with each other as shown in FIG. 18. Inthis sixteenth embodiment, the display is possible on a surface ontowhich the operating surface 1802 a is not overlapped. Therefore, whenthe operating portion 1802 is set to the first position which is thehoused position, it may be made a display only on the display surfacenot overlapped with the operating surface 1802. In other words, visualinformation such as map information or the like which is outputted by anavigation apparatus (not shown) or visual information which isoutputted by an audio device, an image reproducing device or the likemounted inside the automotive vehicle is displayed only on the displaysurface which is not overlapped with the operating portion 1802.

Having been constituted as described above, the displaceable portion canbe effectively utilized and the convenience of the user is improved.

Seventeenth Embodiment

A description will be made about a display apparatus provided in anautomotive vehicle together with a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

In the sixteenth embodiment as described above, the display surface ofthe displaying portion 1801 which is not overlapped with the operatingportion 1802 is displaceable. Alternatively, it may be changed thedisplay scale based on the size of the displaceable display surface ofthe displaying portion 1801.

Namely, the area of the display surface has a ratio of approximately 1:2between a state in which the operating portion 1802 is housed and thatin which it is not. Therefore, there has been a problem that despite anattempt to display the same displayed contents on the displaying portion1801 under any circumstances, the visual information, if based on thesame displaying scale, will be 1/2 in case the operating portion 1802 ishoused as compared with the case in which it is not. To solve this kindof problem, the displaying scale is changed depending on the area of thedisplay surface in order to display the same contents of visualinformation. For example, in case the size of the display surface of thedisplaying portion 1801 is 1:2, the scale ratio of the contents ischanged to 1/2:1. By this arrangement, when the area of the displaysurface of the displaying portion 1801 is small, although the image isslightly difficult to see as compared with the case where the area ofthe display surface is large, an effect can be obtained that it ispossible to see the same contents.

Accordingly, having been arranged as described above, when a user wishesto see the contents displayed on the displaying portion 1801 in detailwhere the operating portion 1802 is housed, the operating portion 1802gets ready for operation. When a user does not wish to see the contentsin detail, the operating portion 1802 may be housed, so that thedisplayed contents are changed into the small-scale. In this manner, theconvenience of the apparatus can be further improved without missing thecontents.

Eighteenth Embodiment

A description will be made about a display apparatus to be provided inan automotive vehicle together with a device installation apparatus fora mobile body according to the eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

The displaying portion 1801 shown in FIG. 18 enables a divided displayin which a plurality of screens are displayed. In case the divideddisplay is made when the displaying portion 1802 is set to the firstposition which is the housed position as shown in FIG. 18, the divideddisplay may be made only on the display surface which is not overlappedwith the operating surface 1802. In case the divided display is madewhen the operating portion 1802 is set to the second position in whichthe operation of the operating portion 1802 is possible, the divideddisplay may be made on the entire display surface of the displayingportion 1801. By arranging in this manner, based on the position of theoperating portion 1802, the display surface of the displaying portion1801 can be effectively utilized, with the result that the convenienceof the apparatus is improved.

Nineteenth Embodiment

A description will be made about a display apparatus provided in anautomotive vehicle together with a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the nineteenth embodiment of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 21, when the operating portion 1802 is in the secondposition in which the operation thereof is possible, the operatingsurface 1802 a of the operating portion 1802 may be positioned, whichforms an obtuse angle relative to the display surface of the displayingportion 1801. Having been arranged as described above, since theoperating surface of the operating portion 1802 is set to the positionin which the operating surface easily comes within the field of view ofthe user, the visibility of the operating surface and the operabilityare improved.

Twentieth Embodiment

A description will be made about a display apparatus provided in anautomotive vehicle together with a device installation apparatus for amobile body according to the twentieth embodiment of this invention.

In the above nineteenth embodiment, in the second position of theoperating portion 1802 in which the operation thereof is possible, theoperating surface 1802 a of the operating portion 1802 forms an obtuseangle relative to the display surface of the displaying portion 1801. Itmay be provided an angle adjusting means (not shown) for adjusting theangle formed between the operating surface of the operating portion 1802and the display surface of the displaying portion 1801 in order toadjust an inclination of the operating portion 1802 to optimum positionto the user.

Having been arranged as described above, setting of the operatingportion 1802 according to his or her own body further improves thevisibility and the operability.

Twenty-First Embodiment

A description will be made about a display apparatus to be provided inan automotive vehicle together with a device installation apparatus fora mobile body according to twenty-first embodiment of this invention.

In the above fifteenth embodiment, the operating portion 1802 is pulledout by the user himself. Alternatively, a driving motor may be providedinside the display apparatus to constitute a driving mechanism fortransmitting the driving force of this driving motor to the rollerportion 1810 shown in FIG. 22. Further, a switch may be provided in apart of the display apparatus so that the driving motor can be driven bythe operation of this switch.

Having been arranged as described above, the operating portion 1802 canbe automatically pulled out or housed only by the operation of theswitch. This eliminates this kind of troublesome operations, resultingin a further improvement in the convenience of the user.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the device installation apparatus for a mobile bodyaccording to this invention is suitable for use in a mobile body such asan automotive vehicle by installing an audio device and an imagereproducing device movable in the longitudinal direction of theautomotive vehicle.

1. A device installation apparatus for a mobile body comprising: aninstalling means, which is provided in a position sandwiched between adriver's seat and an assistant driver's seat, and is able to disposetherein a desired device; and a guide means for movably guiding saidinstalling means along the longitudinal direction of the mobile body;wherein said installing means comprises a mounting/dismounting means forholding an installed device in a detachable manner and the device isreplaceable by another one.
 2. The device installation apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said guide means comprises a plurality ofengaging portions for engaging said installing means at a plurality ofthe predetermined different positions, and wherein, when said installingmeans is moved based on guiding by said guide means, said installingmeans being engaged with any one of said plurality of engaging portions.3. The device installation apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein saidengaging portions are provided in said guide means such that theengaging portions correspond to positions of seats disposed in themobile body.
 4. The device installation apparatus as claimed in claim 1,wherein said installing means comprises a plurality ofmounting/dismounting means, enabling a plurality of devices to bereplaced independently by other devices.
 5. The device installationapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said installing means has aspace therein for housing a device, and wherein saidmounting/dismounting means is provided in an internal portion thereof.6. A device installation apparatus for a mobile body comprising: aninstalling means, which is provided in a position sandwiched between adriver's seat and an assistant driver's seat, and is able to disposetherein a desired device including associated operating means for saiddevice; a guide means for movably guiding said installing means alongthe longitudinal direction of the mobile body; and a user judging meansfor judging whether a user of said apparatus is an appropriate user ornot, only when said user judging means has judged the user to be theappropriate user, the operation of the device installed inside saidinstalling means being permitted; wherein said installing means and saidguide means are disposed on a floor portion of the mobile body.
 7. Thedevice installation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprisinga user judging means for judging whether a user of said apparatus is anappropriate user or not, only when said user judging means has judgedthe user to be the appropriate user, dismounting of a device mounted onsaid mounting/dismounting means being permitted.
 8. The deviceinstallation apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said user judgingmeans makes at least one of a judgment as to whether the user is anappropriate user by verifying a fingerprint of the user, or by a voiceof the user.
 9. The device installation apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein said installing means comprises a displaying means fordisplaying visual information to be outputted by said image reproducingdevice.
 10. A device installation apparatus for a mobile bodycomprising: an installing means, which is provided in a positionsandwiched between a driver's seat and an assistant driver's seat, andis able to dispose therein a desired device; a guide means for movablyguiding said installing means along the longitudinal direction of themobile body; and a control means for moving said installing means, whena power source is turned off after said installing means is moved, so asto return said installing means to the predetermined position.
 11. Thedevice installation apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein saidpredetermined position is a position sandwiched between the driver'sseat and the assistant driver's seat of the mobile body.